Quincy vs San Diego

Category / Metric	Quincy	San Diego
Financial Overview
Median Income	$92,085	$105,780
Unemployment Rate	4.7%	4.9%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$687,500	$930,000
Price per SqFt	$416	$662
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$2,377	$2,248
Housing Cost Index	148.2	185.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	104.7	103.5
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.83	$3.98
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	234.0	378.0
Bachelor's Degree+	52.6%	52%
Air Quality (AQI)	38	25

San Diego vs. Quincy: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you’ve got San Diego—the sun-soaked, laid-back metropolis where the Pacific Ocean is your backyard and craft breweries outnumber traffic lights. On the other, you’ve got Quincy—a coastal Massachusetts city that’s a quiet, historic gem with a strong community vibe and a distinct four-season rhythm.

This isn’t just a comparison of two cities; it’s a choice between two entirely different lifestyles. Are you chasing the quintessential California dream, or are you looking for a more grounded, East Coast existence? Let’s break it down, data point by data point, to help you decide where to plant your roots.

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1. The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle

San Diego is the embodiment of "chill." The culture here is intrinsically linked to the outdoors. We’re talking about a city where a morning surf session before work is totally normal, and the dress code is almost exclusively board shorts and flip-flops. It’s a major military town (home to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps bases), which adds a layer of discipline and diversity to the mix. The vibe is fast-paced in the business districts but slow-burn everywhere else. It’s for the sun-worshipper, the active adventurer, and anyone who believes a bad day at the beach beats a good day anywhere else.

Quincy, on the other hand, is classic New England. Think historic brick buildings, cobblestone streets in the downtown district, and a deep sense of community. It’s often called the "City of Presidents" because it’s the birthplace of both John Adams and John Quincy Adams. The pace here is more measured. It’s a city of families, young professionals commuting to Boston (just 10 miles away), and retirees who appreciate the changing seasons. The vibe is intellectual, historic, and cozy. It’s for the history buff, the four-season enthusiast, and anyone who values a strong neighborhood feel over a sprawling metropolis.

Verdict:

• San Diego is for the active, sun-seeking extrovert who thrives on variety and endless recreation.
• Quincy is for the reflective, community-oriented person who loves history, distinct seasons, and easy access to a major urban hub without the chaos.

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2. The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk Purchasing Power.

If you earn the median income in San Diego ($105,780), you’ll feel the squeeze. If you earn that same amount in Quincy ($92,085), your money goes further, but the housing market has its own surprises.

Here’s the hard data:

Expense Category	San Diego	Quincy	The Takeaway
Median Rent (1BR)	$2,248	$2,377	Hold on—this is a shocker. Quincy's rent is actually higher than San Diego's. This is a classic data anomaly, likely due to Quincy's proximity to the expensive Boston metro and a tight rental inventory.
Housing Index	185.8	148.2	This is a clearer picture. A score of 100 is the national average. San Diego's housing is 85.8% more expensive than the U.S. average, while Quincy is 48.2% more expensive. San Diego still wins the "more expensive" crown.
Taxes	CA has high state income tax (up to 13.3%). Sales tax is 7.75%.	MA has a flat 5% state income tax. Sales tax is 6.25%.	Massachusetts is a tax haven compared to California. This is a massive point in Quincy's favor for your take-home pay.
Overall Cost of Living	~50% higher than the national average.	~40% higher than the national average.	Quincy is expensive, but San Diego is on another level.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let's say you land a job offering $100,000. In San Diego, after California's brutal taxes, your take-home pay shrinks significantly. That $930,000 median home price is a mountain to climb. Your purchasing power is severely limited by the cost of housing and taxes.

In Quincy, with a $92,085 median income and a 5% flat tax, your money stretches. The median home price of $687,500 is still high, but it's $242,500 less than San Diego's. Your $100,000 salary in Quincy will feel like it has more breathing room, even with the high rent.

Verdict: While Quincy's rent is surprisingly high, its lower taxes and significantly lower home prices give it the edge in overall dollar power. Winner: Quincy.

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3. The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

San Diego:
The housing market is notoriously cutthroat. With a median home price of $930,000, homeownership is a distant dream for many. The market is perpetually a seller's market, with bidding wars, all-cash offers, and waived inspections being common. Renting is the default for most young professionals and families. The rental market is competitive, but the inventory is larger than in Quincy. Buying is for the wealthy or the deeply committed with significant capital.

Quincy:
The market here is also a seller's market, driven by its appeal to Boston commuters and families looking for more space than the city offers. The median home price of $687,500 is more attainable than San Diego's, but it's still a high barrier to entry. Inventory is tight, and homes move quickly. Renting is a popular option, but the $2,377 median rent for a 1BR is steep for the area, reflecting its status as a desirable suburb. Buying requires a solid down payment and competitive offers, but it's a more realistic goal than in San Diego.

Verdict: Both are tough markets for buyers. However, Quincy's lower entry point makes it slightly more accessible. For renters, San Diego offers more options, but Quincy's rental market is intensely competitive due to its size. Winner: Quincy (if buying), Tie (if renting).

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4. The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• San Diego: Commutes can be lengthy. The city is spread out, and while public transit exists (trolley, buses), it's not as comprehensive as in older East Coast cities. The I-5 and I-805 freeways are infamous for congestion. A 20-30 minute commute to work is common, but it can easily double during peak times.
• Quincy: This is Quincy's secret weapon. You have access to the MBTA (subway, commuter rail) right into downtown Boston. The commute to the city is reliable and often faster than driving in San Diego's sprawl. However, if you work locally, traffic is minimal.

Winner: Quincy. The public transit access to a major city is a massive advantage.

Weather

• San Diego: The data point of 57.0°F is misleading—it's the average annual temperature. In reality, San Diego boasts what many call a perfect climate: mild, Mediterranean. Summers are warm and dry (70s-80s°F), winters are cool and rainier (50s-60s°F). You get sunshine roughly 300 days a year. Humidity is low. It’s the gold standard for weather lovers.
• Quincy: Welcome to New England. The 48.0°F average is spot on. You get four distinct seasons: hot, humid summers (80s-90s°F), stunning autumns, cold, snowy winters (regular 30s°F with snow dumps), and muddy springs. If you love seasonal variety and snow days, this is your spot. If you hate the cold and shoveling, it's a dealbreaker.

Winner: San Diego for sheer pleasantness and a lack of extreme seasons.

Crime & Safety

• San Diego: Violent Crime rate of 378.0 per 100,000. This is higher than the national average. Like any large city, crime is concentrated in specific neighborhoods. Areas like La Jolla and Del Mar are very safe, while others have higher rates. You must be neighborhood-aware.
• Quincy: Violent Crime rate of 234.0 per 100,000. This is significantly lower than San Diego and closer to the national average. As a smaller, more residential city, Quincy generally feels safer, especially in its well-established neighborhoods.

Winner: Quincy. The data and general perception point to a safer environment.

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5. The Verdict: Who Wins?

This isn't about which city is "better," but which city is better for you. Here’s the final breakdown:

🏆 Winner for Families: Quincy

• Why: Better safety stats, excellent public schools (Quincy Public Schools are highly rated), strong community feel, and access to Boston’s resources. While housing is expensive, the overall cost of living and tax structure make it more manageable for a family budget than San Diego. The four seasons offer diverse activities for kids.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: San Diego

• Why: The social scene is unmatched. Endless nightlife, breweries, restaurants, and outdoor activities (beaches, hiking, kayaking). The vibe is youthful and active. While the cost is high, the lifestyle payoff is enormous if you can swing it. Quincy is quieter and more family-oriented, which can be a pro or a con for a single person.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Quincy

• Why: Lower tax burden is a huge factor for those on fixed incomes. Access to world-class healthcare in Boston is a major plus. The four seasons, while cold, are manageable and offer variety. The walkable, historic downtown is perfect for a slower pace of life. San Diego's retiree scene is also strong, but the tax hit and cost of living are steeper.

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Final Pros & Cons List

San Diego

Pros:

• Unbeatable Weather: 300+ days of sunshine, mild temps.
• Outdoor Paradise: Beaches, hiking, parks galore.
• Vibrant Culture: Craft beer, food scene, military diversity.
• Major City Amenities: World-class zoo, museums, sports, airport.

Cons:

• Extreme Cost: $930k median home price, high taxes.
• Traffic & Sprawl: Car-dependent, long commutes.
• Competitive Housing: Brutal market for buyers and renters.
• Higher Crime: Rates above the national average.

Quincy

Pros:

• Boston Proximity: Easy access to a major city without the price tag.
• Lower Taxes: 5% flat income tax vs. CA’s up to 13.3%.
• Safer: Violent crime rate of 234/100k.
• Four Seasons: Distinct weather with beautiful falls and winters.
• Historic Charm: Walkable, character-filled downtown.

Cons:

• High Rent: Surprisingly more expensive than San Diego for a 1BR ($2,377).
• Harsh Winters: Snow, ice, and cold temps for months.
• Smaller Scale: Fewer major entertainment options than a metro like SD.
• Competitive Housing: Still a seller's market with high prices.

The Bottom Line:
Choose San Diego if you prioritize lifestyle, weather, and outdoor activity above all else, and you have the financial means to support it. It’s a premium experience with a premium price tag.

Choose Quincy if you value safety, community, and financial practicality. You get a historic, walkable city with direct access to Boston’s opportunities, all while keeping more of your paycheck. It’s a smart, grounded choice for the long haul.

Now, the real question is: are you packing sunscreen or a snow shovel?